Community Works To Build Statue For Boyertown Grad Who Died At 18

BOYERTOWN, PA — Justin King may be gone, but his impact on those who knew him is far from forgotten.

The community is rallying to have a Boyertown Bear statue of King built, and they've launched a GoFundMe in support of the effort. King, 18, a 2019 graduate of Boyertown High School, died after falling down a rocky embankment and ledge near Bloomsburg University in September. He was a freshman at the school.

The fundraiser is being organized by the Pine Forge Athletic Association, which has put together baseball and softball leagues for the Boyertown area for nearly 50 years. King was an athlete with the Association for most of his life, from the time he was 5 years old till when he graduated high school at 18.

"Justin was a good baseball player, but more importantly he was an even better person and exemplified the type of teammate and person we strive to help develop," Vicki Devlin, the fundraiser organizer, wrote. "We are all heartbroken by his passing and would like to permanently honor his memory by having a Boyertown Bear (with a King’s Crown) made and installed on site at our Douglass Drive baseball complex."

Several Bear statues exist in the local area. They're part of a public art project and partnership between students, businesses, and artists which aims to beautify the community.

A total of $4,500 is needed to build the statue.

To donate and to learn more, see the fundraiser page here.